Engaging God's Word Daily

Daily Archives: September 10, 2017

Summary: Today brings us back to the historical book of Acts. Our previous reading from this book—from September 6—left off with the spread of the kingdom among the Gentiles. Beginning with the conversion of Cornelius and his household (Acts 10) and continuing to tell of the dynamic, and predominately Gentile, congregation at Antioch of Syria, Luke is setting the ground work for the spread of the gospel to distant regions. We left off with Barnabas and Saul (he will come to be called “Paul” first in 13:9) in Antioch and chapter 13 opens with their being singled out by the Holy Spirit “for the work to which I have called them” (13:2). So begins the primary focus for the remainder of this great book, the evangelistic endeavors of the apostle Paul.

Devotional Thought:

Like David or Not?

Few biblical characters can compare to King David. About him many remarkable statements are made. He is the one by whom subsequent kings of Israel are measured and compared. He repeatedly “inquired of the Lord” (1 Sam. 23:2, 4; 30:8; 2 Sam. 2:1; 5:19, 23). “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam. 30:6). “David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him” (2 Sam. 5:10). The opening words of the New Testament introduce “Jesus Christ, the Son of David” (Matt. 1:1).

There are many others. Perhaps the best known is actually found in the New Testament where he is called “a man after my [God’s] heart, who will do all my will” (Acts 13:22). Just a few verses later is what might be considered the most meaningful accolade of the great king of whom it is said, “he had served the purpose of God in his own generation” (Acts 13:36).

Many of the things that are said of David will never be said of us; different people, different times, different circumstances, different needs. But what possible better thing could ever be said of us than that which was said of him; that we served the purpose of God in our own generation?

I may not be king, I may not slay a giant, I may not write many psalms of praise, I may not stand before and lead God’s people. But I can serve God’s purpose in my life, in my family, in my job, in my community, in my church, in my….

To do that, I must—again like David—determine to do all of God’s will.